[Moto J]

I like mine. Got it used for $75. Looks way better than the 2 all black leather jackets I looked at. No complaints yet. I feel just as safe as wearing leather, because of the padding.

[Moto J]

It looks like my helmet is a HLC Sy-Max, from 2001. Sy-Max is the only marking I can find on the liner. Any info about it?

[Moto J]

I’m on the third tank of gas and have been adding carb cleaner to the last 2. Bike is running stronger by the day but has a ways to go. I’ll have the carbs cleaned and vavles checked when it snows.
Just got back from my road test. I did good. The guy thought I had been riding for a while. Suprised to hear I’ve only spent the last 3 weeks behind this one and only bike. I’ve racked up over 350 miles now.
It sure is nice to be legal.

“Spent a few nights in Brooklyn, man they have a nice racetrack there.
You think they’d let you take that 700 on their track once it’s worked on? “

Yes, it’s a nice oval track. I usually get a couple free tickets with tent passes from friends. You get tickets for food and beer and get great seats. That’s the only way to go.
I WISH I could take it around the track.

[Moto J]

Tough decision. I guess I’d take the newer one if it’s ready to ride. Use it for a year then sell it.

[Moto J]

What kind of bike and year?
Did the problem start right after you installed the new brake light?
My bike stalls (just like yours) if I have the choke all the way off. I’ve got an old 84 with 37,000 miles.
Maybe you need a tune up. idk

[Moto J]

The 84 Magna 700 I just bought is NOT fast. It has 37,000 miles and I think it needs a vavle adjustment. But right now, it’s slow and heavy. Once I have more experience I’ll spend the $250 for improved performance.

[Moto J]

I don’t know anything about Vulcans, or much about bikes in general. I just bought my first bike and I think I paid too much. I’ve put 300 miles on it so far with only an oil and air filter change, but the bike lacks power.
Prices seem really high right now. This is what I’ve learned since:
Let it warm all the way up and turn the choke all the way off. If it stalls, it needs work. Lower the price.
If it makes any valve train noise (clicking, tapping), it probably needs the valve guides adjusted ($200-300). Lower the price.
Make sure the oil level is correct. A high oil level can mask some valve train noise. Can’t it? I think it did on my bike.
If the guy can’t provide any documentation on maintenance, assume it hasn’t been done. Lower the price.
Did you know- in my area, most Dealers won’t work on bikes more than 10 years old. So check that out in your area. Another reason not too pay too much. You gotta have the old school “take his time” mechanic work on it with no warranty.
When your cycle friend rides it, tell him to give you the real scoop, but have him tell the owner it’s slow (if you think the price is too high).
If eveything is good and it’s documented, then it’s worth it.

[Moto J]

Thanks Zero. I’ve been practicing around the neighborhood for 2 weeks, and I’m a fast learner who’s very careful. I’ve done a lot of reading, so I know what to look for, now I just need to make it instinctful. I do have a nice helmet, gloves and an armored jacket. Still looking for boots and pants and rain gear.
Well today is the 2nd day driving to work. So far so good, but boy was it cold. Yesterday was the warmer day and it was cold, so today I wore 2 pairs of jeans and my jacket under my coveralls.
I think the bike lacks a lot of power. It’s not that fast. I’m sure it needs a valve guide adjustment, it makes a lot of noise. I’m going to take my road test before I have them adjusted. I’m expecting a huge difference once they are adjusted. If it doesn’t make a big difference I’ll have to flush the gas tank, change the fuel filter and then get the carbs cleaned.
It’s got 37,000 miles and it kind of bogs if I try to take off fast. If I try to accelerate at 55 mph it really bogs for a few seconds, then it kind of takes off at about half throttle. And it stalls out (after about 10 seconds of slower and slower idling) if I turn the choke all the way off.
Sounds weak doesn’t it? And I don’t really even know what it should run like.

[Author]

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